The Carolina Panthers are closely monitoring the progress of their second-year receiver, Xavier Legette, as he participates in the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Coach Dave Canales is paying particular attention to Legette’s demeanor on the field. “When I see him smiling,” Canales said after the first day of OTAs, “I know he’s in a good space, and he really has just been enjoying this offseason working hard.”
Legette had a solid rookie season with 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns. However, he struggled with drops, recording seven out of the team’s 24 last year. He took responsibility for these mistakes, saying, “I wouldn’t say it was harder than I needed to be… I mean, I cost us those games.”
In response to his performance issues, Legette reviewed film from all his targets last season with receivers coach Rob Moore and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik. They identified areas for improvement, particularly focusing on hand-catching techniques. “Me getting open wasn’t a problem,” Legette explained. “It was just honing into really catching the ball on the drops.”
During Tuesday’s OTAs session, quarterback Bryce Young targeted Legette multiple times during drills and praised his progress: “You just see the comfortability… second year in the system… you know the work he put in.” Young also noted Legette’s emerging leadership role among wide receivers.
Legette is mentoring fellow first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan as they prepare to enhance the Panthers’ offense together. On this partnership, Legette commented: “I mean any time you can add a masterpiece like that to what we’re trying to build, that’s great.”
Canales added that having both players offers strategic advantages: “(Legette) looks big and fast… it’s just options… it creates a little bit of balance.”
Legette addressed an early offseason foot injury with surgery before feeling refreshed and ready for improvement this year. He remains optimistic about his development: “I’m feeling pretty good. I feel like I’m trending in the right direction.”
